Dawson County student dies in 'car surfing' accident

Around 9:45 p.m., Hawkins was riding on the roof of a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara as it traveled south on Couch Road. According to Georgia State Patrol, the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when the driver came to a right curve and lost control.

The vehicle struck an embankment and continued across the roadway. Hawkins fell from the vehicle.

Deputy Coroner Lanier Swafford said that 16-year-old Hawkins passed away while she was being transported to Northside Hospital-Forsyth.